How to use decimal type in MongoDB

Question

How can I store decimals in MongoDB using the standard C# driver? It seems that all decimals are stored inside the database as strings.

Answer 1

MongoDB doesn't properly support decimals until MongoDB v3.4. Before this version it stored decimals as strings to avoid precision errors.

Pre v3.4 Store decimals as strings, but this prevents arithmetic operations. Operators as $min, $avg, ... won't be available. If precision is not a big deal, then you might be able to switch to double.

v3.4+ You need to make sure the following preconditions are true:

• MongoDB server should be at least v3.4.
• MongoCSharpDriver should be at least v2.4.3.
• Database should have featureCompatibilityVersion set to '3.4'. If your database has been created by an older MongoDB version and you have upgraded your server to v3.4 your database might still be on an older version.

If you have all the properties set, then register the following serializers to use the decimal128 type:

BsonSerializer.RegisterSerializer(typeof(decimal), new DecimalSerializer(BsonType.Decimal128));
BsonSerializer.RegisterSerializer(typeof(decimal?), new NullableSerializer(new DecimalSerializer(BsonType.Decimal128)));